Equivalence of Italian qualifications in Switzerland: what to do (cross-border guide)

Context

In short, Italian qualifications are equivalent in Switzerland thanks to the border agreement signed on 23 December 2020 and entered into force on 1 January 2024. This agreement establishes the rules for the equivalence of Italian qualifications in Switzerland, allowing students and workers with Italian qualifications access to training and work programmes in Switzerland.

Key facts

• Qualification: a qualification issued by an Italian university is equivalent to a Swiss qualification.
• Equivalence: the recognition of the Italian qualification in Switzerland.
• SECO: Immigration and passport service, service managed by SECO for the equivalence of educational qualifications.

To access training and work programmes in Switzerland, you must submit your Italian qualification to the Federal Office of Education and Youth (UFJU) at its competent SECO office. Subsequently, the UFJU will proceed to verify the equivalence of the Italian qualification and send a notification to the Federal Office for the Protection of Federal Switzerland (OSF) if necessary. The OSF will assess whether the Italian qualification is equivalent to the Swiss qualification and, if applicable, will transform the notification into a residence permit.

For example, a graduate in Economics from Bocconi University in Milan, equivalent to the Swiss degree "Licenza in Economia" (LEC), can

Operational details

Equivalence of Italian qualifications in Switzerland: what to do

To obtain the recognition of the Italian qualification in Switzerland, it is essential to submit the application to the Qualifications Equivalence Service (SECO) of the Ministry of University and Research. The procedure is simple and involves the following steps:

1. Download the application form from the SECO website: <https://www.unibw.ch/studierende/equivalenz-studium/equivalenz-formular>

2. Fill in the form with the required data: The form includes information on the qualification to be matched, the date of achievement and the duration of the qualification. Be sure to fill out the form correctly to avoid delays or errors.

3. Submit the form to the SECO: The request can be sent by post or in digital format (via the link on the form). To send the request by post, use the following address: Qualifications Equivalence Service Ministry of University and Research , Via San Gottardo 27 3601 Bellinzona Equivalence Processes : The equivalence process can take a few months, so it is important to submit your application in advance. SECO will assess the equivalence between the Italian qualification and the corresponding Swiss qualification, taking into account the duration, content and access requirements. Concrete examples with real numbers : For example, an Italian degree in Economics and Commerce can be equated with a

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Key points

Equivalence of Italian qualifications in Switzerland: what to do

Are you an experienced financial journalist in Ticino, and are you evaluating the equivalence of your Italian degree in Switzerland? Here are some pointers to help you understand if your education can be worth the same access to jobs and career opportunities as a Swiss education.

First of all, remember that the equivalence of the Italian qualification in Switzerland is not automatically recognised. You must submit an official application to SECO, the Swiss Integration and Citizenship Authority.

According to SECO, Italian degrees can be equivalent to Swiss degrees if:

• The duration is similar or identical;
• You have the same academic and disciplinary training;
• You have the same training objectives and the same learning requirements;
• They have the same evaluation standards.

For example, a degree in Italian Economics and Finance equivalent to a degree in Swiss Economics and Business (which have the same duration and requirements) could be worth the same access to jobs and career opportunities.

To apply, you'll need to follow these steps.

1. Contact the SECO: For the specific procedure and requirements, contact your cantonal administration or consult the SECO website.

2. Submit your request: Once you have received the information, submit your request for DRY equivalence.

For a precise net salary calculation, use our tax comparator: compare take-home pay between G and B permits with all 2026 deductions.